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31 thoughts on “The Hungry Philosopher”

Oh Cynthia! So funny and so uncomfortable at the same time! This really struck home with me. The times that I have wished certain words unsaid are legion! I can usually control what I say when discussing the big issues but it’s the moments like you have described here, when we are off our guard that we say the most silly/thoughtless/hurtful things and usually to the nicest people.

Sorry to hear about the rough night. Too much cake? 😉 I gave my sister some rough nights when I visited her recently. We had to share a bed and she said I talked in my sleep and snored. Not sure I wanted to know that! 😀 😀

Who could resist a piece of chocolate cake? 😉 The Jamaican Christmas cake looks simply irresistible too! Sorry, I can’t keep my mouth shut … looking at them, Cynthia. They are so inviting. So there you are. 🙂

I tell you, Iris: the Jamaican Christmas cake is the food of the devil – I dare anyone to resist it. The Jamaicans have taken the English Christmas pudding (from back when Jamaica was British) and turned it into something wonderful.

Hi Cynthia, I can so relate to your post, I think its fair to speak up at the 3rd piece of cake though! We ate the last of my daughters homemade Christmas Pudding at lunchtime today, your Jamaican Christmas Cake sounds delicious and would certainly be a winner in this house.

Cottage pie is very easy. I use about 1lb minced beef or steak and fry it with a chopped onion (and sometimes a clove of garlic) in a little oil in an ovenproof dish. You can then add whatever seasonings and chopped vegetables you like or whatever you have got in the cupboard at the time. I always include carrots, celery, maybe sweet pepper and/or courgette, mushrooms. I add salt, pepper, a little beef stock, a splash of soy sauce and the same amount of worcestershire sauce, a few mixed herbs. My mother never adds stock but she always chops her vegetables very finely so they cook through quickly. This is cooked on the hob stirring now and then until the stock has reduced and the vegetables have softened. I peel and slice some potatoes put them in salted water and bring them to the boil. Strain them and cover the meat and vegetable mix with the slices. You then put the dish in a hot oven for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through and starting to brown. I often put a little butter, oil or cheese on the potatoes before putting the dish in the oven. I serve this with some green vegetables like peas or green beans or a salad. Shepherd’s Pie is made in the same way except that the meat is minced or chopped lamb or mutton and the potatoes are usually mashed. Traditional dishes started off as being food made by poor people who cooked what they had – a very little meat bulked up with vegetables – so it doesn’t really matter what we put in as long as we enjoy it.

Ah, Cynthia, your pictures made me hungry for chocolate cake, which I can’t have. 😦 It’s funny the things we feel guilty over. I have learned by my many mistakes to keep my fat mouth firmly closed, but I still sometimes slip up and say something when I shouldn’t. 😀 xo

Chocolate can be my undoing. I’m certain that one of my 6 siblings, my 4 children, or my husband would raise eyebrows if I reached for a third piece…. out of love and trust. But, yes! I would be hurt if a stranger passed judgement!

Cynthia, Thank you for featuring the picture our Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas very special gateau developed in honour of a very special lady – YOU!
I did not know there was a Jamaican Christmas cake distinct from the traditional Christmas cakes. Would love to discuss.

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